By the time I log into my work computer at 8:30AM, I’ve already lived five lives.
I’ve been a short-order cook making three different breakfasts, all rejected. I’ve been a hostage negotiator who traded one more Bluey episode for a successfully brushed set of teeth. I’ve been a hairstylist, a wardrobe consultant, and a search-and-rescue team for the set of car keys that were right there, I swear.
Somewhere in there, I let Pippa out twice, ordered a Target delivery, and managed to drink my Pecan Crunch Latte while it was warmish. Then I dropped off Sloane, sprinted back home, threw on a blazer over the sweatshirt I tossed on, and opened my laptop with 45 seconds to spare before the Zoom call about tort reform legislation.
And then I see them: my childless colleagues, fresh-faced and smiling in their little Zoom squares. Showered. Pressed. Their skin is glowing in that well-rested, full-night-of-sleep way that I faintly remember from 2021. One of them mentions a morning Pilates class. I feel a little ill. I’m not resentful, really. I’m just quietly marveling at people who woke up and only had to take care of themselves. I adore my daughter and wouldn’t trade this chaos for anything (except maybe the same thing with 50% less chaos). But some mornings, I’d trade a kidney for the ability to stroll peacefully into my office and just start my day.
Elected. It’s Election Day, a stressful time for those of us who work in government and politics. Who will win? Who will lose? Consequential decisions for the future of the nation, your state, and your community will be made today. Like every election, I voted for some Republicans and some Democrats. Whoever you plan to vote for, get out there and cast your ballot.
Saved. Daylight Savings Time with a child in the house just hits differently. And by child, I mean my five-month old puppy. Sloane slept til 8:00AM, unphased by the change. The puppy woke up her parents at 6:15AM wanting to know where her breakfast as, her internal clock was unaffected. But this twice yearly struggle got me thinking: why do we fall back and spring forward?
Luckily, USAFacts has a concise explainer. 19 states have voted to remain on Daylight Savings Time permanently, but it takes an act of Congress to make that change possible. Some doctors are advocating for remaining on Standard Time as a lifesaving measure. So, like all things in American politics, we can’t agree — but we’re absolutely sure it’s Congress’s fault.
Sparkled. The Bustle thinks that microdosing sequins is the way to bring a bit of joy into this holiday season. I love this Tuckernuck sweater and the Zara blouse for adding just a bit of sparkle. Or buy a cool, sparkly brooch and add it to blazers, sweaters, and winter coats. This snake brooch from Nordstrom is fab.
Played. I am prepping for a winter spent indoors with a small child. This obstacle course idea made with painter’s tape and items from around the house looked fun. This soap foam explosion experiment also caught my eye. If you have a favorite winter indoor activity, drop it in the comments. We are also buying a Nex Playground for Christmas.
Briefed. Unsure how I feel about these lace boxer briefs, but leaning pro.
Followed. I’m always looking for new Instagram follows that bring something cool into my feed. I don’t hate follow and fill my feed with cheap trash, and as such, my explore page is a nice place to be. Here are some of my new favorite follows.
- Watching @emogoatmom freeze her ass off in the Montana pre-winter reminds me that I am not, in fact, qualified to homestead, even if the animals are cute and the views are spectacular.
- @fond.losangeles teaches you how to shop for clothing by teaching you how to spot quality construction.
- @little.house.on.the.rez is a unique voice on social media — living on the Navajo Rez, in a food desert, surrounded by struggle.
- Consuming media is tougher in an algorithmic world, so @groundnews is a good way to filter stories and perspectives.
- Middle-size influencers are becoming more common, but @the_other_mk has mastered the form.
- Plus-size? Try @itscalbal for explainers and style ideas.
- Cancer survivor and NYC cool girl @marygracegraves is the little sister I wish I had.
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Top winter indoor activity for us is indoor science. I put a long, shallow rubbermaid container on the dining room table with various things from the dollar store – measuring cups, funnels, bowls, etc. I use a lot of ideas from Busy Toddler (website and instagram) and Emily Calandrelli (she has books, YouTube and and old Netflix show) as a starting point and then just introduce other things to keep it going. Then you only have the rubbermaid to clean up and possibly a child to throw in a bath. We also will do baths just for fun. Mr Bubble has some fun bath items, or throw in some glow sticks and turn most of the lights off.